The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, AUATON, Lagos State Chapter has strongly condemned the recent trend of unfairly low fares imposed by Indrive, Rida, Uber, and other app-based ride-hailing companies in a bid to gain market share and competitive advantage over their rivals.

In a statement, AUATON Lagos describes this as an unhealthy, unethical, and exploitative practice by Indrive, Rida, and Uber which was deliberately designed to impoverish drivers.

”This practice has severe negative effects on our collective well-being, and as e-hailing practitioners already struggling to make ends meet, we firmly reject such unfair pricing strategies.

”These cars are owned, managed, and fueled by drivers. App companies have no right to arbitrarily reduce fares to unreasonable levels without first consulting us.

”In a country like Nigeria, where the economy is unstable and the cost of living has skyrocketed—including fuel prices, spare parts, vehicle maintenance, rent, food, weekly remittances to partners, school fees, and even tire replacements—it is only logical for drivers to expect an upward fare review.”

“However, rather than adjusting fares to reflect present economic realities, app companies, particularly Indrive, Rida, and Uber, have chosen to be insensitive to our struggles by drastically undervaluing our services. For instance, when a trip that should rightfully cost 5,000 naira is reduced to 2,000 naira at the rider’s discretion, it is an insult to our profession and must not be tolerated.

The Association says there should be a fair minimum fare benchmark for riders to negotiate within, rather than the current situation where fares are slashed to exploitative levels. It also says the continuous price slashes and unfair treatment of drivers by ride-hailing companies like Indrive, Rida, and Uber have pushed drivers to a breaking point.

”The only viable solution is for all drivers to unite, take a stand, and boycott any app company that refuses to listen to our grievances. We, therefore, call on all drivers, regardless of union affiliation, to participate in the upcoming protest and join the massive boycott against Indrive, Rida, and Uber.

”We cannot allow app companies to continue undermining our efforts by imposing unfair working conditions. The success of this boycott depends entirely on our unity and solidarity.

”We want to emphasize that this industry belongs to the individual app-based drivers who commute riders from one point to another. We are the ones who invest our time, resources, and effort into making this industry thrive.

”Therefore, any decision that affects our remuneration and cost of running our businesses on the road from point A to point B should be made with our consent and consideration, AUATON remarks.”

The Statement notes that members will no longer accept a situation where app companies unilaterally impose fares that are detrimental to our livelihoods. It says its members are demanding a fair and equitable pricing system that reflects the true cost of providing our services.

”While we give Indrive, Rida, and Uber time to reconsider their actions and review fares upward, we are actively planning a date for the massive boycott, which will be announced in due course.

”In the meantime, drivers should take action by expressing their dissatisfaction directly to Indrive, Rida, and Uber through official complaints. Registering our displeasure will demonstrate our collective resolve and prepare the ground for the upcoming protest.”

”The dawn of a new e-hailing era is here, and for meaningful change to occur, we must take the first step. It is time for all e-hailing drivers to take bold action for a just cause and assert their rights. By doing so, we can create a better future for ourselves and the entire ride-hailing industry, the statement adds.”

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